The Summerland Chamber of Commerce has added its voice to those opposed to a gravel pit proposal in the Garnet Valley area of Summerland.

The proposed gravel pit has also raised the ire of many within the community.

The application, from December, 2023, was for a gravel operation at 27410 Garnet Valley Rd. The notice was filed by Marcus Grymonpre, of 1440254 B.C. Ltd.

While Summerland council and the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen both voiced their opposition, the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation approved the proposed gravel pit in late August

In an August 27  letter to Josie Osborne, the province鈥檚 Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, chamber president  Mike Hildebrand outlined the group's concerns. 

鈥淔rom a tourism perspective, the peaceful Garnet Valley is an important recreational and tourist destination as it connects to the historic Fur Brigade Trail and provides the only connection between Peachland and Summerland for the emerging continuous hiking and biking trail from Sicamous to Osoyoos, known as the Trail of the Okanagans,鈥� the letter states. 

The community has worked on this area and has developed hiking and biking trails in the area. Hildebrand said the gravel operation would be detrimental to these efforts.

鈥淎 gravel pit right in the middle of this world-class trail would not only derail this initiative, but create an unsafe environment for hikers and cyclists, and would not meet minimum safety standards set by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure鈥檚 Active Transportation Design Guidelines,鈥� the letter states.

The gravel operation would also affect the region鈥檚 existing agricultural and agri-tourism businesses, which has invested tens of millions of dollars in the area, he added.

Hildebrand said Summerland is already served by two existing sand and gravel companies. A third gravel operation would erode profitability. 

In August, after the decision to approve the gravel operation was announced, Summerland Mayor Doug Holmes stated his disappointment with the decision.
鈥淭hose of us who live in Summerland know this is the wrong place for a gravel pit. Given that the decision was made rashly with such disregard for the community鈥檚 wishes, we are appealing to the minister to overturn it,鈥� he said.

In addition, a number of residents and agri-tourism businesses near the proposed gravel operation have also expressed their displeasure with the decision.